Dangerous Working Conditions Uncovered in the Recycling Industry
For years, recycling has been regarded as a green standard for saving our planet. Oftentimes, we don't think about who handles our bottles, cans, and old furniture. But recycling workers have some of the most dangerous jobs in the country.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 300 workers were killed on the job from 2003 to 2014. Many of them work in scrap yards, sorting plants, and oil recovery centers, and are working with heavy machinery with poor training.
Workers are often too nervous to report injuries or raise concerns — some are receiving less than minimum wage for their hard labor, and owners of smaller drop-off centers have been investigated by the Department of Labor for committing wage theft.
Brian Joseph is a staff reporter for FairWarning, a nonprofit investigative news organization based in Pasadena, California that focuses on public health, safety, and environmental issues. He joins The Takeaway to discuss the conditions he observed while interviewing recycling workers, and what the government is doing to prevent fatal accidents in the future.
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